GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Body Mechanics and Mobility Questions and Answers

Question 1

A GNA is preparing to transfer a resident with left-sided weakness from the bed to a wheelchair. What is the MOST important action for the GNA to take immediately before moving the resident?

Accepted Answer

Ensure the wheels of the bed and the wheelchair are locked.

Answer

Locking the wheels on both the bed and the wheelchair is a critical safety step to prevent the surfaces from moving during the transfer, which could cause a fall.

Question 2

Which of the following BEST demonstrates proper body mechanics for a GNA preparing to assist with lifting a resident?

Accepted Answer

Standing with feet shoulder-width apart and bending at the knees.

Answer

A wide base of support (feet shoulder-width apart) and using the strong muscles of the legs by bending at the knees are fundamental principles of good body mechanics that protect the GNA from back injury.

Question 3

While ambulating a resident with a gait belt, the resident begins to feel faint and their knees start to buckle. What is the GNA's most appropriate immediate action?

Accepted Answer

Widen their stance and gently slide the resident down their leg to the floor.

Answer

The safest procedure when a resident is falling is to control their descent to the floor. By widening their stance and sliding the resident down their leg, the GNA protects both the resident from a hard fall and themselves from a back injury.

Question 4

When assisting a dependent resident to move up in bed, what is the safest and most effective method for the GNA to use?

Accepted Answer

Ask a coworker for help and use a draw sheet or slide sheet.

Answer

Using two people and a friction-reducing device like a draw sheet is the standard of care. This method prevents shearing injury to the resident's skin and protects both caregivers from musculoskeletal injury by distributing the weight and reducing the force needed.

Question 5

A GNA is positioning a resident in a side-lying (lateral) position to prevent pressure ulcers. Which of the following actions is essential for proper body alignment and pressure relief?

Accepted Answer

Placing a pillow between the resident's knees and ankles.

Answer

Placing pillows between the knees and ankles prevents direct pressure between these bony prominences, which are high-risk areas for skin breakdown. This also helps maintain proper hip and spine alignment.

GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Practice Test

GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Practice Test

GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Body Mechanics and Mobility Questions and Answers